Last week, five Ukrainian children were successfully brought back from the temporarily occupied territories to safety in Ukraine. This critical mission was achieved under the President’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, with invaluable support from our partners at @saveukraine.official.
Each child’s story is a powerful reminder of the hardships endured under Russian occupation and the importance of continued efforts to protect Ukraine’s youngest citizens:
Their grandmother, who was paralyzed due to shelling, faced a severe lack of medical care. The occupying forces refused treatment to anyone without a Russian passport, a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee civilians access to essential services during wartime.
Nastya’s village was completely cut off from the outside world after Russia’s invasion. The blockade prevented residents from accessing food, medicine, or clothing. To obtain even the most basic supplies, villagers had to endure interrogations at multiple checkpoints, risking their safety with every journey.
Both boys were subjected to forced military training and conscription notices to join the Russian army. These actions highlight a grave violation of international law — the militarization of children and the use of minors in armed conflict.
Now safely home, these children and their families can begin rebuilding their lives. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners — We Are All Ukrainians 2022, Ron Wahid, the Humanite Foundation, and the Joint Coordination Centre for Prisoner Search and Release — for making this rescue possible.